Joe Nathan on Rangers’ upcoming series against White Sox: ‘We don’t want to treat this any bigger than any other series’

In eight seasons with Minnesota, closer Joe Nathan played a major role in a heated rivalry with the Chicago White Sox. Nathan left the AL Central to join the Rangers this season, and that changed his perspective on the White Sox.

Rivalries usually occur with teams in the same division, Nathan said. The significance of this series is the Rangers could face the White Sox in the playoffs.

“When you are playing a team that you may see in October, it’s always big,” Nathan said.

“Especially when you play a team that’s playing well. We know a tough team is coming in. We don’t want to treat this any bigger than any other series, but at the same time we’ve got to be ready.”

The White Sox are 36-24 since May 17, a stretch that includes a three-game sweep of the Rangers at U.S. Cellular Park in the first week of July.